OCTOBER FAVOURITES

October is by far one of my favourite months without doubt- maybe because I was a winter-born baby? Wrapped up in layers, feeling cozy and wearing bold makeup/clothing is my perfect look! Here are a few of my favourites!

Missguided - Sam Quilted Detail Buckle Ankle Strap Boots - Size 4

£34.99

These were definitely an impulse buy! I love chunky boots for the cold days, they are super comfortable and can be worn with anything. The heel is approximately 6.5cm. The matte faux leather material is very strong and is perfect for rain, snow and any crazy UK weather! These boots has definitely kept my shoe game on point! 

New Look - Burgundy Snakeskin Panel Satchel 

£24.99

I first saw this on one of Hello October's haul videos and it was love at first sight. Not only does it have one of my favourite snakeskin print on the front but also the chic zip front fastening makes the bag look better. It's quite big inside, perfect to fit in all my uni essentials plus makeup bag, keys and purse. It has an adjustable shoulder strap which can also be used across the body. The burgundy colour is perfect for autumn and winter!

New Look - Red Tartan Check Reversible Oversized Scarf

£14.99

New Look - Dark Green Tartan Check Reversible Oversized Scarf

£14.99

Zara - Chunky Knit Tartan Scarf

£19.99

Tartan has come back once again to the fashion market in forms of dresses, trousers, shirts, socks and scarves. The scarves I purchased are all in different sizes and tartan colours. These have been a staple in my autumn wardrobe so far. You can style them with any outfit and they just add that extra 'umph'. They are are also super cozy! The Zara scarf was purchased last year and was out of stock so quickly so I can't link the item. But there are replica ones that you can purchase online and I think the New Look tartan scarf range are a great dupe!

Boots - LOreal Paris Million Lashes So Couture

£10.99

Boots - No7 Extreme Length Waterproof Mascara - (review here)

£12.50

I can't stress enough how amazing the Million Lashes So Couture Mascara is! I have been asked endless times if I'm wearing fake lashes and the answer has been no, its this fabulous new mascara. You only need to coat your lashes twice for the perfect fluttery look. It lasts all day (9-10 hours) without fall outs and it does not budge! 

As the cold days approach, my hayfever tends to get rough which means my eyes start to feel super itchy and watery. The No7 Extreme Waterproof mascara is perfect for coating my lower lashes so even when my eyes tear up, the mascara does not smudge. 

New Look - Gold Open Heart Fingertip Ring Stack - Small

£3.99

Boots ONLINE - Butter London - Teetotal

£12.00

Midi rings are a perfect way to style those hands. These are so affordable and can be switched around.

Boots - Original Source Body Lotion Pineapple and Moringue Oil

£4.49

I am a sucker for strong and fruity scents. Although 'fruity' isn't quiet an autumny scent, when I smelt the strong pineapple in this lotion I just had to purchase it! The scent stays on for only 2-3 hours but the lotion itself leaves the skin feeling super soft and moisturised. Moringue oil is perfect for dry skin- it not only conditions the skin but also treats the area and for the cold days to come, it will definitely come to use. These are available in other scents too, so do check them out!

Boots - Fade Out Brightening Eye Defense Cream (I can not find the link)

£9.00

As you know, I love my skincare creams, especially ones to fix up my horrible under eyes. I've been using this brightening eye cream everyday for 3 weeks now, and I have seen some amazing results. I've also been complimented by my best friend on how much my eyes have been improving. I will be doing a in-depth review on this product in a few weeks so I can give you guys an accurate feedback. 

So there are my October Favourites, what have you been loving this month?

Lush Angels on Bare Skin

Since my previous Goodbye Acne post, I've been asked endlessly about the cheapest, simplest yet effective way to get rid of acne without using too many products. So after searching high and low, trying many different products, nearly 7 weeks later, I have finally found the ultimate of all ultimates' acne zapper! Not only did it leave my skin feeling soft, smooth and acne-free- I no longer need to wear foundation everyday. Yes girls, it really does feel amazing!

Lush Angels on Bare Skin
100g £6.75 / 250g £16.88

"This incredibly gentle cleanser is made from 100% natural ingredients. Inspired by a mediaeval recipe and topped off with lavender flowers, this contains kaolin to absorb grease and dirt, leaving skin clean and nourished."

So this fabulous, blessing in a pot is the Lush Angels on Bare Face. Lush is a handmade cosmetics and skincare brand that uses natural ingredients in all their products. (Our acne prone skin loves natural products!)

As you can see, a little goes a long way. I take a pea sized amount into my palm and mix into a paste with a little water. I then massage the paste into my face avoiding the sensitive eye area. I do this for 2-3 minutes and rinse with warm water. Like all cleansers and exfoliators, its important to splash cold water at the end to close your pores. 

All Lush products contain ingredients that benefit the skin. This product contains;

ground almonds: gently exfoliates the skin
lavender: balances and calms the skin 
rose absolute: balances and restores damaged skin
tagetes oil: dislodges congestion 
chamomile: soothes the skin

It also contains the amazing kaolin clay which works wonders on blemish prone and sensitive skin. Kaolin purifies and nourishes all skin types and eliminates the unwanted dirt on the top layer of the skin. It also repairs damaged skin hence why it is perfect for blemish/acne prone skin. At first, the strong, distinctive, lavender smell did not appeal to me at all. But after using it a few times, its grown on me and now I love it! The product can also be used on your body, the same way it is used on your face.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this product to everybody in need of a brand new cleanser- especially to those who are pulling their hair out, trying to get rid of their acne. To get the best results, use this once a day, everyday, after taking off your make up. As it is a cleansing/exfoliating product, you don't want to rip out the natural oils- so using it once is enough. I saw a difference in my skin after 4-5 uses but like I always say with skincare products, you must use it CONSISTENTLY and correctly for at least 6-8 weeks for best results. 

Have your tried Angels on Bare Skin? What are your favourite Lush products?

Everyday Makeup Look: Drugstore

We all love a quick and easy makeup look that we can wear everyday with any outfit. The products I have used are all from the drugstore (yes, even the inexpensive Lush Colour Supplement).

Here is how I did my favourite 'natural' go-to look!

BASE

For my base, I mixed together Soap and Glory Make Yourself Youthful Sunshield Superfluid and Lush Colour Supplement in Dark Pink. My skin has improved so much since my acne breakout, I only needed a little coverage to even out my skin tone.

So girls, if your skin doesn't need the coverage, avoid piling it on!

Soap & Glory Sunshield Superfluid 

Boots £15.00

Lush Colour Supplement
Lush £9.50

EYES
Although I love my holy grail NARS Creamy Concealer, when I'm running out I reach for Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Deep. I use it under my eyes and on my eye lids.

To set my concealer, I use No7 Perfect Light Pressed Translucent Powder lightly where I have used the concealer. Rimmel Professional Eye Brow Pencil in Dark Brown is perfect for filling in the sparse areas on my brows.

Using the MUA Undressed Eyeshadow Palette I use;

1. Puff: highlight my brow bone and inner tear duct

2. Hazel: all over my lids

3. Henna: blended in a little on my eye lids and lower lash line

I finish the eyes by lining the lower lash line with Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Liner in Nude and L'oreal Million Lashes So Couture Mascara on both my upper and lower lashes.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

Boots £5.99

Rimmel Professional Eye Brow Pencil

Boots £2.99

No7 Perfect Light Pressed Powder

Boots £11.50

MUA Undressed Eyeshadow Palette

Superdrug £4.00

L'oreal Million Lashes So Couture

Boots £10.99

LIPS & CHEEK

I added a little colour onto my cheeks using Sleek MakeUp Blush in Antique. Sleek blushes are extremely pigmented, so a little goes a long way.

And to finish of the look I used Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick in Mauve It Over.

Sleek MakeUp Blush

Boots £4.49

Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick

Boots £7.49

Beauty Advent Calenders 2014

Yes, its nearly coming up to that time of year, where the christmas decorations go up and the trees are decorated with sparkly tinsels and fancy lights. So what's christmas without the exciting countdown, waking up every morning to a cheeky chocolate or in this case a fabulous new beauty product? Who wouldn't prefer the delicious treats without the calories! Here are the ones I'd love to get my hands on this year.

Ciate 'Mini Mani Manor'

Nail brand with serious luxe credentials

£49.00

Includes

24 mini nail collections

5 textured nail polishes

Nail transfers

Exclusive, full size paint pot

Available from:

ciate.co.uk, John Lewis, ASOS, Boots & Selfridges

Jo Malone's Christmas Advent Calender
Exquisite scents

£250

Includes

24 little luxuries

Colognes and body cremes

Available from:

Harrods 20th October & Nationwide 10th November

Selfridges 'Enchanted Spells' 

£85

Includes

Makeup, skincare & frangrance goodies from Lancome, YSL, Kiehls & more

Available from:
selfridges.com

Elemis 12 Days of Beauty
Luxury British Spa Brand

£59.50

Includes
12 luxury skincare treats
Treats for the face & body
Great for all skin types

Available from:
timetospa.co.uk

Liberty 'Rolls Royce of Beauty'

£149

Includes
25 luxury beauty treats
Nars, Laura Mercier, Dermalogica
& Eve Lom

Available from:
liberty.co.uk & stores from November








Lush 12 Days of Christmas

£49.95

Includes
Exquisite shimmering & scented products
Festive bath products
Pampering treats
Bestsellers

Available from:
LUSH 

Benefit Cosmetics 'Candy Coated Countdown'

£60

Includes
24 mini beauty treasures
Benefits best sellers
A surprise gift

Available from:
benefitcosmetics.co.uk &
Debenhams from 16th October








The Body Shop Advent Calender

£50

Includes
24 skin loving treats
Treats for the face & body
TBS bestsellers & iconic scents
Latest additions

Available from:
The Body Shop







L'Occitane Advent Calendar

£45

Includes
13 pampering treats
Fragrance, body & skincare surprises

Available from:
loccitane.co.uk from 3rd November








No7 Advent Calendar

£35

Includes
25 amazing pressies 
Worth £130
No7's bestsellers

Available from:
Boots from 29th October

Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator Review

When I first broke out in acne, I was always advised to exfoliate my face, to scrub away the dry and dead layer of the skin which could irritate my acne further. All our skin types are different, some more problematic than others and some not needing exfoliation at all. It's important not to exfoliate your face too much as extreme exfoliation can damage the skin.

Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator

John Lewis 70ml £14.00

"gently exfoliate to buff away dead skin cells and impurities for smoother, clearer skin."

The Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator is perfect for all skin types as it contains gentle Jojoba beads and although it does an amazing job of exfoliating the face, it is not harsh on the skin at all. After using the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish (review here) to remove my makeup, I pump some of the product onto my fingertips and massage into my face in circular motions. I do this for a couple of minutes and wash off with warm water or rinse a muslin cloth and wipe off. I finish by splashing cold water onto my face to close my pores. 

The exfoliator is a thick, creamy paste and it comes in a pump form which is great because you can control how much of the product you want to use. I like to use it twice a week which is more than enough for a smooth base to apply your favourite moisturiser. Although it states on the packaging 'not suitable for sensitive skin', people who have sensitive skin can use a little bit and mix it with the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish-the results will be just as good. It is important not to use the exfoliator in the eye area as that area is very thin, delicate and it will sting if it gets into the eyes.

Like all Liz Earle products, even this has its own skin benefits:

Jojoba Beads: main ingredient that does the exfoliating. Brightens and clears the skin

Beeswax: protects and relieves the chapped skin

Glycerin: maintains hydration

Sweet Almond Oil: keeps the skin soft and smooth

I would definitely recommend this product because it does a perfect job of buffing away dead skin and unblocks pores. The pictures above are exactly 9 days apart and in that time I have used the exfoliator three times in conjunction with the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish and the Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask (review here). You have to be CONSISTENT in order to get the perfect dewy and radiant skin. 

Makeup for Acne Prone Skin

Makeup is one of the first things we reach for to cover up our acne. It is important to avoid the products that are high in chemicals, as it WILL irritate your acne and trigger a breakout. We all know we can not prevent acne entirely but we can control the appearance of it using the correct, high quality makeup.

MOISTURISERS
Everybody needs a good moisturiser! However oily your face is, or however dry- you must always use a moisturiser. With acne prone skin, your face will be oily combination majority of the time, so use a moisturiser that is oil free, lightweight and non-comedogenic (which means it will not clog your pores). 

My favourites

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Moisturiser
Boots 50ml £4.99

Soap & Glory Make Yourself Youthful Sunshield Superfluid SPF 50
Boots 30ml £15.00

The Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream
The Body Shop 50ml £11.00

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
Kiehl's 50ml £24.00

PRIMERS
You want to use a primer that reduces the blemishes, redness and minimises the pores. Just like choosing a moisturiser, an oil-free primer will also enable your makeup to last longer. Smashbox have 9 different primers for every skin type. I haven't used them all but I have listed the ones I have used and loved below.

My favourites

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Oil-Free
John Lewis 50ml £29.00

Illamasqua Matt Primer SPF 20
Selfridges 30ml £24.00

Smashbox Colour Corrector Primer- Adjust
Boots 30ml £25.00

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer
Boots 30ml £28.00

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer
Boots 30ml £25.00

Too Faced Primed and Poreless
Boots 35ml £24.00

L'oreal Paris Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer
Boots 15ml £14.29

FOUNDATIONS
A lightweight, oil-free and hydrating foundation with a good coverage is what you need to cover those blemishes! You don't want to wear something too cakey! You need something that you can't feel when its on your face. Although SPF can make your face look grey with flash photography, it is one of the best ways you can protect your face from sun damage and early aging. 

My favourites

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Liquid Makeup 
Boots 30ml £24.50

Smashbox Studio Skin 15 Hour Wear Hydrating Foundation
Boots 30ml £28.00

Vichy Corrective Foundation SPF 20
Boots 30ml £16.00

Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturiser SPF 20
House of Fraser 50ml £34.00

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation 
Boots 30ml £10.99

CONCEALERS
Just like foundation, a lightweight concealor with a high coverage is what you need to cover up your acne. A long lasting, cream-based concealer is perfect for those blemishes. It can be quite hard to find the perfect colour concealer as all our blemishes and dark circles are different. But remember not to use too much, as it can crease- less is more!

My favourites

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
Selfridges £22.00

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer SPF 10
Boots £21.50

Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer 
Guru Makeup Emporium 15ml £22.95

Vichy Dermablend Corrective Stick
Boots £15.00

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
MAC £17.00

SETTING POWDER
I have always reached for translucent setting powders as they don't leave a cakey finish. With acne prone skin you will produce a lot of oil, its better to use matte/shine-free powders which you can apply as many times of the day needed. 

My favourites

Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder
Boots £15.00

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Translucent Powder
John Lewis £29.00

No7 Perfect Light Translucent Pressed Powder
Boots £11.50

Make Up For Ever HD Pressed Powder
Guru Makeup Emporium £18.50

ELF High Definition Translucent Powder
ELF Website £6.95

AVOID
Ingredients such as isopropyl isostearate, myristyl myristate, lanolin oil and lauric acid, these will encourage breakouts, clog your pores and irritate your acne.

 Heavy/thick creams, body butters (these are not for the face) & highly scented products. 

LOOK FOR
Salicylic Acid: unclogs pores  

Jojoba oil: spot treating and cleansing acne prone skin

Raw coconut oil: use an overnight moisturiser in problematic areas

Benzoyl Peroxide: kills unwanted bacteria

Tea Tree Oil: anti-bacterial properties 

Soap & Glory Puffy Eye Attack Turbo-Boost Hydragel Review

Waking up with crazy puffy eyes is everyone's worst nightmare. Some of the reasons could be lack of sleep, allergies, poor diet or stress. The eye area is the most thinnest and sensitive part of your face and it should always stay moisturised. The ingredients used in eye creams are specifically targeted for the eye area.

Soap & Glory Puffy Eye Attack Turbo-Boost Hydragel
Boots 14ml £12.50

"Loaded with anti-dark circle and anti-puff ingredients. A fast-acting, de-bloating, skin-firming, collagen-boosting genius in a jar!"

Like all skincare products, you must use them religiously for at least 6-8 weeks to see the best results. With my crazy hayfever, I get super puffy eyes when I wake up in the morning and after using the hydragel consistently (morning and night), my eye area has become less puffy, smooth and extremely hydrated. The hydragel didn't quite brighten the area as it says in the description but it did do a great job on fixing the puffiness.

Although it looks like a cream, it is a gel-based product. A little goes a long way so it will last a long time. It comes in a small round compact pot which easy to carry around. I wash my hands thoroughly and use my ring finger to apply in tapping motions under my eyes, on my eyelids and not forgetting the corners. 

As soon as its applied it does absorb quite quickly and you will feel a cool, refreshing sensation that only lasts 10-15 seconds. It does not leave any sticky or greasy residue however, it does not work well under makeup. I have accidentally got a little into my eyes and it does sting so be careful! For its amazing, affordable price, I do recommend the gel for all you puffy eyes sufferers. But remember to be CONSISTENT! 

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask Review

Here's another Liz Earle product I've been obsessing about lately! It's the Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask which is great for oily combination skin. It leaves my acne prone skin feeling deeply cleansed and also regulates the oiliness.  Ever since the sun has disappeared, my skin has become quite oily around my t-zone, eyes and nose (yes I know, its suppose to do the opposite right?) and after endless uses of this mask- it is now one of my favourite masks to pamper myself with.

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask Starter Kit
£14.50 75ml John Lewis

"This concentrated clay and botanical mask helps draw out impurities to leave skin balanced and calm."

In the starter kit, you'll receive a 75ml tube and 2 round sponges. I use the mask in conjunction with the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish (review here). After cleansing, I apply the mask using an old flat foundation brush as its an easy to spread an even layer onto the face and neck. I leave it on for 7-10 minutes and allow it to work its magic. One of the great perks of this mask is that it doesn't crumble off as it dries- so thumbs up to that.

I run the sponge under hot (not burning hot) water and wipe the mask off. The sponges have a slight rouge texture, so as I wipe off the mask it also exfoliates the skin. The mask is not harsh and does not leave the skin feeling dry. I then use the Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic as my toner followed by the Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate as my moisturiser (reviews here). After 3-4 uses, I saw a difference in my skin as it helped clear up breakouts that I had and my skin appeared much brighter than usual. 

Like all Liz Earle products, even this has its own skin benefits;

Aloe Vera: softens the skin

Glycerin: keeps the skin hydrated

Manuka Honey: soothes and calms the skin 

Green Clay: draw out impurities and absorb excess oils

Propolis: protects the skin

I would definitely recommend this to everyone with oily combination skin. I now have calmer (less oily) skin, smaller pores and my face feels super fresh after every use. The mask can be applied to certain areas of the face (instead of the whole) and you will get the same results. I use the mask 2-3 times a week and with so much product in the the tube, it will last a while. The only 2 downsides is the odd green colour and awkward olive-like smell. However that should not put you off such amazing, affordable product!